All the ways not to cleaning your vagina – and the only right way to get it done
From head to toe, the beauty
industry has a plethora of products on offer – especially when it comes
to women. But is there even a need for them? Or are they just causing
you more harm? Don’t worry, we’re not telling you to quit your CTM skin
routine. But when it comes to your vagina – it’s best to keep it super
simple.
Let’s look at some ways you should not be cleaning your vagina.
1. Do not use a douche
Douching is the practice of
inserting water into the vagina to cleanse it. While it’s okay to clean
your vulva with water, your vagina does not need to be cleaned. The
vagina is a self-cleaning organ, fully capable of maintaining itself.
This practice actually rids your vagina of all the healthy bacteria that
live in it.
Research has linked the use of
vaginal cleaning products and douching with increased quantities of
potentially cancer-causing volatile carbon compounds in the blood. The
research was published in the Journal of Women’s Health in September.
2. Do not use soap
Your vagina has a lower pH level
compared to the rest of your body. Traditional soaps are usually too
alkaline to even match the pH level of your body - forget your vagina.
So either skip the soap or find a much milder one if you must.
3. Do not use a “special” wash daily
Unless recommended by a
gynaecologist, you don’t need to use any over-the-counter
vaginal/intimate wash. Even if your doctor recommends it - make sure to
ask how often you need to use it. Chances are, it won’t be daily - other
than maybe when you’re on your period.
4. Do not use vaginal wipes
They might seem like a convenient
option to carry around with you but they could contain harmful
chemicals, preservatives and are also generally bad for the environment.
Our advice? The simple old toilet paper. Roll it up and carry it in
your wallet, just like you would a vaginal wipe.
5. Do not use perfume or deodorant around your vagina
Yes, your partner can smell you
down there. But all vaginas have a distinct smell and it’s natural for
it to not smell like a flower market. So avoid all chemicals - and
non-absorbent fabrics. Remember, a healthy vagina is a sexy vagina.
6. Do not steam your vagina
Yes,
yes, vaginal steaming seems to be all the rage since Gwyneth Paltrow
talked about it, but the practice has zero scientific data backing it -
and it can cause burns if you’re not careful with it. And for what
benefit? Nothing, nada, zero.
7. Do not wipe back to front
Hopefully, this is a redundant
piece of advice since you’re all already doing it. In case you’re not -
here’s a friendly reminder to wipe only from front to back. Basically,
never let anything that has been in touch with your butt come in contact
with your vagina - whether it is tissue, toys, condoms, or even
fingers. There is a lot of bacteria that live on your butt and wouldn’t
do anything great for your vagina.
8. Do not scrub too hard
It’s okay to use a loofah to clean
around your vulva - till the time you do it gently. Very light
exfoliation may help with ingrown hair but using scrubs and pumice
stones can cause microabrasions and infections. So just, maybe, don’t.
9. Do not clean it too often
Once a day - that’s more than
enough. It’s okay to rinse with water multiple times but a thorough wash
is only needed once daily. Sure, it might not be harmful to go over
that limit once in a while but it’s best to be cautious and not overdo
it.
10. Do not spend too much time in the bath
We already know that damp spaces
are bad for your vagina since it’s essentially a breeding ground for
bacteria. This is why you’re always advised to change out of your
swimsuit and workout clothes as soon as possible. Spending a long time
in a hot bath might sound lovely and comforting after a long day but try
to limit your time in there for your vagina’s sake.
11. Do not be afraid of hair
Many women associate hairlessness
with keeping a vagina clean. It’s far from the truth, though. The hair
is there for a reason - to reduce friction and protect you from bad
bacteria. So you might want to skip the shaving and waxing and stick to
just lightly trimming for neatness if you must.
How to clean your vagina the right way
1. Water
Not too warm, not too cold. Stick
to room-temperature water and clean your vulva with it. Pat gently with a
dry towel. If you’re travelling and are not sure about the water
quality, try to get your hands on a bottle of mineral water to clean
yourself with. Better safe than sorry.